60,000 take to streets to celebrate Irishness

CORK skies may have been grey but the streets were a sea of green as an estimated 60,000 people of all nationalities hit the streets to celebrate all things Irish.

From Angola to Poland, China to the Philippines, the Cork parade showcased the diversity of the city as never before.

Led by the current All-Ireland football champions, who brought along the Sam Maguire, the parade brought participants together under the theme of “Happiness”. Cork’s sporting heritage was also celebrated with GAA clubs, Cork City FC supporters, basketballers and even the new Rebel Rollers roller derby team skating through the streets of Cork.

Judging by the sheer volume of leprechaun hats and fake beards on the streets by early morning, it was clear the swelling hordes were determined to get into the spirit of things as quickly as possible.

With an estimated 2,000 people taking part in the parade, the rest of the city had to make do with packing the footpaths of South Mall and St Patrick’s Street to grab a look at the weird and wonderful things passing by.

Adults were carrying children on shoulders and gratefully clutching the free Barry’s Tea on Grand Parade. Judging by some of the pained expressions, it was a healthier option than what they were clutching the previous night.

One woman trying to organise an enormous bunch of little girls dressed as Mr Men was Linda Fitzpatrick, leader with St Stephen’s Company of Catholic Guides of Ireland in Watergrasshill.

“Don’t ask me how many we have here. There are a few hundred guides in total all dressed as Mr Men with happy faces and yellow balloons. The smallies love it. It’s good fun and great day out for all of us,” she said.

However, it wasn’t just the children that were excited by the St Patrick’s Day festivities. Seonac Ó hArgáin from Ballyphehane was out enjoying the parade and was keen to remember some of the Irish people who couldn’t be home for the day.

“It’s my favourite day of the year. I celebrate it every year. It’s just a great day to celebrate being Irish and to remember people that have had to leave. My sister has had to emigrate to Canada and I planted an apple tree for her today just to show I was thinking of her,” he said.

Newly-appointed junior minister Kathleen Lynch was also out and about for the parade and said it was the one day of the year when fashion could go out the window.

“It’s a great day. I always make an effort for St Patrick’s Day. It’s probably the only day of the year you can realistically wear two shades of green,” she joked.